3 Tips for Writing an (Amazing) Executive Resume

3 Tips for Writing an (Amazing) Executive Resume3 Tips for Writing an (Amazing) Executive Resume1You are finally sitting down to write or update your executive resume. It seems a daunting task if you havent updated in years. So much to put on paperwhere do you begin? Your resume will be read by executive recruiters, HR managers, C-suites, board members, and more. What will help you to stand out against a sea of competition?The hiring person has a clear idea in mind of the type of leader they are looking to hire. What your resume needs to convey is that you have/are exactly what they are looking for. Just adding your responsibilities wont cut it. They want to know how you can help them.Here the top three tips to help you tell your story in an executive resumeIts about them. Keep in mind that the hiring manager wants to know what you can do, and more importantly, what you can do for them. They already know that you want a position that will move your career forward- no need to tell the m that. Instead, wow them with your accomplishments. I find that so many of our clients have forgotten what theyve done, because really, who immediately records their accomplishments the minute they have done it?Not many. They do their jobs and move on to the next task. Think about each role youve had in the past 10-15 years. What did you do there that, for example, increased revenue, cut overhead, or helped ease a transition? Be specific about where and when you made your accomplishments. Keep your achievements focused toward the role you are trying to get. Letting the reader know what you have done lets them know what you can do for them as well. Dont be shybrag about yourselfBrand yourself.You are the expert, the leader, the one tasked with running the company. You have expertise in the role you are going for. Does it look that way on your executive resume? Have you branded yourself as an expert? If you are going for a CFO role, does your resume sell you on your financial leaders hip, MA experience, investor relations, PL autonomy, funding, operating budgets, portfolio management, and more? Get as detailed as possible about your role and how you excel in your specialized areas. Stay consistent with that theme throughout the document.People judge your resume by how it looks.The old adage, you shouldnt judge a book by its cover unfortunately doesnt work with your resume. If you are using a standard Microsoft template for your resume, it will look like a standard Microsoft template- just anotlageher sheep in the flock. The wonderful thing about todays resumes is that you can get a little more creative with them. Im not talking clip art of dollar bill symbols throughout, but a touch of color or a graph adds interest and works wonders at getting the attention your resume deserves.Bonus tip Social media.In todays job market its just as important to have your social media profiles up to date as it is your executive resume. Did you know that 97 percent of recruiters use LinkedIn when searching for or vetting candidates? Make sure every profile you maintain is current and powerful.Chances are, you already have this information chronologically organized in your brain. Once you begin, the writing will flow and youll be done before you know it. Make sure to have someone else check it for errors- then you are on your wayReaders, what tips have you used for writing an executive resume? Share your ideas with us belowErin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, BS/HR,is a certified professional resume writer/career consultant, andthe president of Professional Resume Services. She is anationallypublishedwriter and contributor of 14 best-sellingcareer books. She has achieved international recognition following yearly nominations of the prestigiousT.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award. members receive a special discount on Professional Resume Services